Endoscope Camera Head Memory

Abstract

An endoscope, consisting of an image sensor which is configured to generate an image signal and a control circuit which is mounted on the endoscope. The control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from a processor. The endoscope includes a connector which is connected to the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit. In addition, the connector includes a memory storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor. The control circuit adjusts the image signal, based on the calibration data stored in the memory, to form a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the processor.

1 . An endoscope, comprising:
 an image sensor which is configured to generate an image signal;   a control circuit which is mounted on the endoscope, wherein the control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from a processor; and   a connector which is connected to the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit, wherein the connector comprises a memory storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor,   wherein the control circuit adjusts the image signal, based on the calibration data stored in the memory, to form a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the processor.   
     
     
         2 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , and comprising a handle portion, wherein the control circuit is mounted on the handle portion. 
     
     
         3 . The endoscope according to  claim 2 , further comprising an insertion portion extending from the handle portion,
 wherein the image sensor is mounted on a distal end of the insertion portion, and   wherein the connector is connected through the insertion portion to the control circuit.   
     
     
         4 . The endoscope according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion detachably connects to the handle portion. 
     
     
         5 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the calibration data corrects for a defective pixel of the image sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the calibration data corrects a color signal generated by the image sensor. 
     
     
         7 . An imaging apparatus comprising:
 an image processor;   an endoscope connecting to the image processor, wherein the endoscope comprises:
 an image sensor which is configured to generate an image signal; 
 a control circuit which is mounted on the endoscope, wherein the control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from the image processor; and 
 a connector which extends from the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit, wherein the connector comprises a memory storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor, 
 wherein the control circuit adjusts the image signal based on the calibration data stored in the memory to generate a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the image processor. 
   
     
     
         8 . The imaging apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the endoscope comprises a handle portion, and wherein the control circuit is mounted in the handle portion. 
     
     
         9 . The imaging apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the endoscope further comprises an insertion portion extending from the handle portion, and
 wherein the image sensor is mounted on a distal end of the insertion portion, and   wherein the connector is connects through the insertion portion to the control circuit.   
     
     
         10 . The imaging apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the insertion portion detachably connects to the handle portion. 
     
     
         11 . The imaging apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the calibration data corrects for a defective pixel of the image sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The imaging apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the calibration data corrects a color signal generated by the image sensor. 
     
     
         13 . A method of fabricating an endoscope comprising:
 calibrating an image sensor so as to generate calibration data;   storing the calibration data in a memory mounted on a connector which is connected to the image sensor by a cable;   fitting the image sensor into a distal end of a tubular insertion portion configured to be inserted into a body cavity, the tubular insertion portion comprising a proximal end;   positioning the connector at the proximal end of the tubular insertion portion by passing the cable through the tubular insertion portion;   connecting the connector to a control circuit; and,   fitting the control circuit into a handle portion of the endoscope.